Research shows that even low levels of lead in the blood may contribute to lowered intelligence later in life. There is no safe level of lead in our blood.
Children can be poisoned by lead, but not look or act sick. Because of this, lead poisoning may go unrecognized. A blood lead test is the only way to find out if a child has lead poisoning.
Talk to your doctor about lead testing. Not all providers routinely test children for lead, so you may need to ask them. Be prepared to explain your concerns. Be assertive when you ask for the test if your feel you child may be at risk.
About the blood test
Blood lead tests tell how much lead has been found in a child’s blood. This is called a blood lead level.
A blood lead level will tell if a child has been exposed to lead in the last 3-4 months. Any level above 3.5 μg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) is considered elevated.
The test involves taking a small amount of blood from a child’s arm, finger or heel. Blood taken from an arm vein (called a venous blood test) is the most reliable test. However, the finger-prick test used by our staff is an accurate screening and less scary for a child.
A high result from the screening test should always be checked with a venous blood test. We can help you with any test results.
Understanding your child's lead test
When you get the test results, make sure the provider tells you specifically what the test value is (instead of “normal” or “abnormal”). Any lead in the blood should be taken seriously.
Less than 3.5 µg/dL: No medical management needed.
At or above 3.5 µg/dL is considered elevated. You should take steps to identify possible sources of lead in your child’s environment to prevent further exposure. Give the child healthy, low fat foods that are high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C, all of which have been shown to reduce lead absorption in children.
You or your health care provider should contact the Leadline to arrange for a free home assessment by a trained lead risk assessor to help you identify and remove possible lead hazards.
If a capillary test is above 3.5 µg/dL, a venous blood lead test (from an arm vein) will need to be taken to confirm the blood lead level.
Children can be suffering from lead exposure or poisoning, but not look or act sick. If the lead level stays at this level, children can experience permanent health problems. Your child will need another blood test in 3 months to see if the level of lead has lowered.
What if my child has elevated lead?
In most cases the treatment for elevated lead includes:
- Removing children from the source of lead exposure
- Helping the child’s body eliminate the lead through good nutrition
- Monitoring the child’s blood lead level over time to make sure the level decreases
Contact the Leadline at 503-988-4000 to arrange for a free home assessment by a trained Lead Risk Assessor to help you identify and remove possible lead hazards.
Making sure your children eat healthy, low-fat food high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C to help eliminate lead from the body. Poor nutrition, especially calcium and iron deficiency, is associated with increased lead absorption, retention and toxicity.
About Chelation therapy
Use of the pharmaceutical drug chelation is only for children with an extremely high elevated blood-lead level (at or above 45 µg/dL). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends drug chelation therapy only be undertaken under careful medical supervision in a facility that can provide appropriate intensive care services. This procedure is not without risks. It's important to discuss these risks with your health care provider.
Other tests and treatments
Hair or Urine testing: Some alternative health care providers may suggest testing for lead in your child’s hair or urine. These methods have not been shown to be as reliable as a blood test.
Herbal Chelation: There is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence supporting the use of "herbal chelation" to lower an elevated blood lead level. It is important to discuss alternative therapies, including the use of herbal supplements, with your health care provider.
Questions? Call the Leadline
503-988-4000
leadline@multco.us
Lead prevention information and referral. Spanish-speaking staff and interpreters in other languages available.
